A while ago my jaw started to act really weird. It started to snap every once in a while, when it does that it doesn't hurt but it makes me unable to open my mouth very wide. I can still eat but when I eat big foods I have to cut it into smaller pieces. This will usually only happen like once every two weeks and last for 10 minutes but yesterday it happened and I can't fix it. I can only open my mouth for a couple of centimetres and is starting to get sore because I'm trying to unsnap it. HELP! Anything is appreciated, thanks.
2006-09-17 10:13:32 · 14 answers · asked by Panada 4 in Health ➔ Dental
Your jaw is "off the hinges," so to speak. There is a little cushion that is supposed to sort of float between the top of your jaw bone and the base of your skull. It's held in place by ligaments and a capsule around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is supposed to glide along and remain on top of your jaw bone when you open your mouth, but it sounds like yours has slipped out of position. This is more common than you might think and a lot of times, the first time it happens is after you sleep funny on your jaw. If you are very careful about not opening very wide and not eating very hard or chewy foods for a couple of weeks, it might correct itself. (It's not too different from twisting your ankle in that regard.) You can also use ibuprofen according to the label directions to help with the pain.
Since it's the weekend, I'll say to follow that course until Monday, but on Monday, you need to decide if it's getting better or if you need to be evaluated by your dentist. Think carefully about this as it is better to err on the side of being cautious. If you need treatment now and do not get it, your TMJ is likely to act up from now until forever and it will only get worse for the rest of your life.
(Pleasant thought, right?)
Capsule summary:
1. Take it easy for the weekend
2. Limit opening and avoid hard chewing
3. Use ibuprofen, if you need it
4. If you don't think things are 100% right by Monday, call your dentist
2006-09-17 11:21:53 · answer #1 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think my dad had something like that. He couldn't really open his mouth and he said it hurt when he yawned. He went somewhere several times to get some shots in his jaw (?) and I think it helped. It might've been an acupuncture type thing.
Mine kind of snaps too, but it has never gotten to the point where I couldn't open my mouth. When I was a few years younger, it would feel sore sometimes but it seems to go away every now and then, so I wouldn't say it's this serious.
2006-09-17 17:29:10 · answer #2 · answered by blank 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TMJ!!!
I had that for a few years. It went away a couple of years ago. I don't know what it was, but my jaw always "popped" when I opened and closed it. It hurt and I could hardly open my mouth. It sucked! It started in high school... but now I am in college and haven't had it happen in the last couple years...... I didn't do anything either to make it stop... it just stopped on its own,
2006-09-17 17:15:52 · answer #3 · answered by Ashley P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TMJ definatly..I have had it for 20 years! It will give you headaches and make you r jaw crack..It will probably give on it's own if you leave it alone..but I would go to the Dr. and have them check it out. If you go to the dentist the should be able to start a treatment for you that will help
2006-09-17 17:39:32 · answer #4 · answered by Jesabel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like TMJ.. head to the dentist!or ER
2006-09-17 17:15:26 · answer #5 · answered by waiting4myredemption 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TMJ - Go to a Dentist or Orthodontist
2006-09-17 17:22:47 · answer #6 · answered by jason g 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like TMJ get a night time mouth guard and start retraining the muscles in your jaw ... .....hope it helps , good luck
2006-09-17 17:17:59 · answer #7 · answered by Kitten,Doc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you probably have TMJ (terno mandibular joint) (jaw) dysfunction... you may require aid of a massage therapist to realign your jaw... this can be done simply by a massage treatment... look for a therapist who specializes in TMJ... i strongly reccommend that you seek attention to this problem A.S.A.P, before it gets any worse!!!
2006-09-17 17:20:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok im not saying try but what i would do is use my fingers and pull my lower jaw down by my teeth in otherwords putting 2 fingers on my lower teeth and tilting my head back it may hurt but it may stretch your muscles back,, i just did try it on my,self seems like it would work,, but u may just get some muscle relaxers but i don't believe in them cause they relax to many,, like all your muscles ,,,stretch !
2006-09-17 17:34:27 · answer #9 · answered by txtx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably see a doctor would be best. May need a muscle relaxer, or it may be more serious.
2006-09-17 17:16:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋